While not your everyday run of the mill hybrid, this Porsche will dance on most non-hybrids graves while passing more than its fair share of pumps in the process!
Wayne Gerdes -
CleanMPG - Feb. 26, 2011
The new $146,000 USD (including European VAT) Panamera S Hybrid - 380 HP and ~ 28 mpgUS combined on our own EPA. At a topped out 168 mph, how much you want to bet he doesn’t make that next corner
The Panamera S Hybrid breaks new ground as the most economical Porsche ever produced. And how is it pulling decent numbers with an outrageous output? To start, it uses Michelin low RRc all-season tires developed specially for the Panamera. By the way, those tires are optional Michelin low RRc all-season tires. Should we place another asterisk here?
The Panamera S Hybrid does the 0 to 60 dance in 5.9 seconds while providing a top speed 168 mph. Those two stats are good enough to place its owner into the morgue 3 or 4 times over but who’s counting
EV Mode is said to be peak at 53 mph with a pure glide thanks to VW’s engine/transmission detach clutch of up to 103 mph.
The Panamera S Hybrid is driven by the same engine combination that has already proved itself in the Cayenne S Hybrid: The main propulsion is provided by a 3.0L V6 delivering 333 HP supported by a 47 HP electric motor. Both are capable of powering the Panamera S Hybrid either alone or in combination. The electric motor also operates both as a generator and a starter. Together with the clutched engine/transmission decoupler, the unit forms the compact hybrid module located between the combustion engine and the transmission. The electric motor is connected to a NiMH battery where the electrical energy is stored. Power transmission is handled by the familiar eight-speed Tiptronic S fitted as standard in the Cayenne models with a wide spread of ratios.
The range of standard equipment for the Panamera S Hybrid includes an adaptive air suspension with the adaptive shock-absorber system with PASM and a rear wiper. The new Gran Turismo also features the Cayenne S Hybrid’s innovative display concept that provides the driver with all the relevant information about the vehicle’s specific hybrid driving status.
All told, while the > 5,100 pound, .37 Cd, 380 HP VW Touareg Hybrid w/ the same Supercharged 3.0L provided an outstanding 34.3 mpg with winds gusting to 50 mph on a RT loop near O’Hare, how much do you want to bet this little fire breather is good for close to 55 + mpg and probably without trying that hard either!
Linear Mode
